Services

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have trouble breathing in and out. This is referred to as airflow obstruction.

Breathing difficulties are caused by long-term damage to the lungs, usually because of smoking.

How common is COPD?

COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Ireland. It usually affects people over the age of 35.

Around 110,000 people in Ireland have been diagnosed with COPD, but it is thought that there are about 2 00,000 people living with the disease who have not been diagnosed. This is because many people who develop the symptoms of COPD do not get medical help because they often dismiss their symptoms as a 'smoker's cough'.

COPD affects more men than women. However, according to the Irish Thoracic Society, rates of COPD in women are increasing.

The main cause of COPD is smoking. The likelihood of developing COPD increases the more you smoke and the longer you've been smoking.

The effects of COPD

People with COPD have trouble breathing in and out, known as airflow obstruction. Their lungs become inflamed due to irritation, usually from cigarette smoke.

Over many years, the inflammation leads to permanent changes in the lung. The walls of the airways get thicker in response to the inflammation and more mucus is produced. Damage to the delicate walls of the air sacs in the lungs means the lungs lose their normal elasticity. It becomes much harder to breathe, especially when you exert yourself. The changes in the lungs cause the symptoms of breathlessness, cough and phlegm associated with COPD.

Although any damage that has already occurred to your lungs cannot be reversed, you can prevent COPD from developing or getting worse by making lifestyle changes.

Treatment for COPD usually involves relieving the symptoms, for example by using an inhaler to make breathing easier.

Although COPD causes about 1,500 deaths a year in Ireland, severe COPD can be prevented by making changes to your lifestyle.

Treating COPD

If you suffer from COPD there are a range of treatments available that we will recommend:

• Stop smoking
• Inhalers
• Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
• Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
• Steroid inhalers
• Medicines
• Other types of treatment (such as nebulisers, long term oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation etc.)
• Surgery

A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

• assess your general state of health
• confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
• see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

Taking a blood sample

A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. The arm is a convenient part of the body to use because it can be easily uncovered. The usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface.

Blood samples from children are usually taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand may be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

A tight band (tourniquet) is usually put around your upper arm. This squeezes the arm, temporarily slowing down the flow of blood out of the arm, and causing the vein to swell with blood. This makes it easier for a blood sample to be taken.

Before taking the sample, the doctor or nurse may need to wipe the area with an antiseptic wipe, although this is not always necessary.

A needle attached to a syringe or to a special blood collecting container is pushed into the vein. The syringe is used to draw out a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pricking sensation as the needle goes in, but it should not be painful. If you do not like needles and injections, tell the person who is taking the sample so they can make you more comfortable. If you feel you might faint, lie down.

When the sample has been taken, the needle will be removed. Pressure is applied to the tiny break in the skin for a few minutes using a cotton wool pad to stop the bleeding and to prevent bruising. A plaster may then be put on the small wound to keep it clean and prevent infection.

After the test

After the blood sample has been taken, it will be put into a bottle and labelled with your name. It will then be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals, depending on what is being checked. The results are sent back to the hospital or to your GP, and you will be told when and how you will be given them.

Sometimes, receiving results can be stressful and upsetting. If you are worried about the outcome of a test, you may choose to take a trusted friend or relative with you. For some tests, such as HIV, you will be offered specialist counselling to help you deal with your results.

What Blood Tests are used for

Some widely used blood tests are:

• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• Electrolyte test
• Blood Glucose test
• Blood Gas test
• Genetic Testing
• Blood Typing
• Blood Cholesterol test
• Liver Function Test

ECG

An ECG or Electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, it is related to the impulses that travel through the heart which determine the heart’s rate and rhythm. Electrodes are placed on the arms, legs and chest, the procedure takes about 5 - 10 minutes and is pain free.

Spirometry

Spirometry,as an objective measure of how an individual inhales and exhales air as a function of time is the gold standard for diagnosing, assessing and monitoring COPD.

Audiometry

Audiometry is a specialised hearing test, used to measure hearing sensitivity. It is used to detect hearing loss and find out which area of the ear is most affected.

Treatment for skin tags, warts, verrucae, sun spots and other benign lesions. (Covered by medical card and often by privatemedical insurance)

A full physical examination is a general examination of the body performed by the doctor or general practitioner (GP). The examination will cover most of the basic systems of the body, including the heart system, lung system, gut system and nerve system examination. Additional examination can be added depending on the clinical scenarios. The purposes of a full physical examination is to confirm any present issues after the clinical history; and to find possible pathologies that are present but yet to be known about.

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease is the term that describes what happens when your heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is known as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma. If your coronary arteries become narrow due to a build-up of atheroma, the blood supply to your heart will be restricted. This can cause angina (chest pains).

If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack. The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.

By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of getting CHD. If you already have heart disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing further heart-related problems. Keeping your heart healthy will also have other health benefits, and help reduce your risk of stroke and dementia.

Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

If we think you may be at risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), they may carry out a risk assessment for cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke. 

We will ask about your medical and family history, check your blood pressure and do a blood test to assess your cholesterol level.

Before having the cholesterol test, you may be asked not to eat for 12 hours so there is no food in your body that could affect the result. We can carry out the blood test and will take a sample either using a needle and a syringe or by pricking your finger.

We will also ask about your lifestyle, how much exercise you do and whether you smoke. All these factors will be considered as part of the diagnosis.

To confirm a suspected diagnosis you may be referred for more tests. A number of different tests are used to diagnose heart-related problems including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• X-Rays
• Echocardiogram
• Blood Tests
• Coronary Angiography
• Radionuclide Tests 
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Treating Coronary Heart Disease

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes can be a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. Find out how you can manage your diabetes and what you need to do to lead a healthy life.

Weight management is important in the management of Type 2 Diabetes. GPs and PNs are key advocates for highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to refer clients to additional supports as needed. 

In 2007 50% of obese women described themselves as very overweight/obese compared to 34% in 2012. Only 25% of obese men described themselves as very overweight/obese.

Statistics

In Ireland:

• 61% of adults aged 16-65 years are currently overweight/obese
• 79% of adults >65 years are currently overweight/obese
• Men are more likely to be overweight than women (42% vs 31%) with obesity being more closely aligned (25% men vs 22% women) ⁽¹⁾.

  A health professional can assess whether a client's current weight is healthy or not. This means measuring weight and height accurately to calculate BMI.

BMI can be calculated using the BMI chart  or use this online BMI calculator

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference (WC) is a useful measure to check if someone is carrying excess weight. WC is an independent risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) regardless of weight.

A WC > 37” (94cm) for men or >32” (80cm) for women indicates an increased risk of CVD

A WC > 40” for men or >35” for women indicates a substantially increased risk of CVD

26% of adults in Ireland have an increased risk of CVD based on WC and 37% have a substantially increased risk

The three key messages from the Healthy Eating Guidelines:

• Limit high-fat, sugar, salt foods/drinks from the Top Shelf
• Eat more vegetable/fruit: 5-7 servings
• Know your serving sizes

At Christiansen Medical Practice we provide dietery advice for you and your family.

We can advise on healthy eating, nutrition plans and how healthy eating can help you and your family's health.

We provide tips and can help you plan your diet to increase your health and to help reduce your chances of becoming overweight or developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Healthy eating is also very important for your mental health and wellbeing. Eating correctly and being active are very important for our mind as well as our body and health.

At Christiansen Medical Practice we offer a range of services specific to women including advice regarding:

• Contraception
• Menstrual complaints
• Breast Complaints
• Gynaecological problems including cervical screening
• Pregnancy Planning and Care
• Fertility Testing
• Sexual Health Issues
• Menopause

At Christiansen Medical Practice, we provide a wide range of services for Men. We know that men often are reluctant to express any issues that they are experiencing unless they feel something is seriously wrong. It is very important to have regular check ups to stay on top of your health and well-being.

As Men age it is vitally important to keep on top of your health.

20's and 30's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Testicular Cancer- if you feel an unusual lump or bump on your testicle
• Skin Cancer - if you notice a mole or growth that looks suspicious or has increased in size
• Blood Cholesterol and Glucose
• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

40's and 50's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Eye Checks
• Hearing Checks
• Bowel Cancer Screening
• Cholesterol and Glucose levels
• Blood Tests
• Mental Health
• Sexual Health

60's and 70's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Eye Checks
• Hearing Checks
• Bowel Cancer Screening
• Cholesterol and Glucose levels
• Blood Tests
• Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines
• Bone Density Check
• Mental Health
• Sexual Health

Contraception

There are many methods of contraception available to women and men. It’s important to choose contraception that fits your situation and lifestyle.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your contraceptive choices with your GP, as you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.

Remember too that using ‘dual protection’ (condoms with another method of contraception) will help you to have safer sex. Plan ahead and carry contraception with you as the most common reason why people do not use contraception is because they had sex when they weren’t planning to or when they were unprepared.

Condoms offer the best protection from both an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

We provide a range of services for couples looking to start a family including:

• Planning for pregnancy
• What to expect and health advice
• Common conditions

Getting Pregnant

We provide advice for couples planning to get pregnant including

• Vaccines you should get before you get pregnant
• How to improve your chances of getting pregnant
• Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
• Sex when trying to get pregnant
• Pregnancy tests
• What to eat while trying to get pregnant
• Coming off contraception to get pregnant
• Fertility problems and treatments.

We provide a range of services and advice for the period your pregnancy including:

• Pregnancy Health( lifestyle changes, healthy eating, alcohol, smoking etc.)
• Pregnancy Related Conditions (breathlessness, chest pains, fatigue)
• Stages of Pregnancy(what to expect in each trimester)
• Preparing for birth
• Pregnancy services(blood tests, vaccines)

Vaccinating your baby will protect them from some serious or even fatal diseases. This is sometimes called immunising or immunisation.

How vaccines work

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect your baby against certain infectious diseases. These diseases can cause serious illness or even death.

When your child gets a vaccine, their body responds by making antibodies. It's as if they had caught the disease, but without getting sick.

The antibodies then stay in your child's body and protect them against the actual disease.

Vaccine safety

As a parent, you might not like the fact that your baby has to get an injection.

But remember, vaccinations:

• are quick, safe and effective
• protect your baby from disease

If you don't vaccinate your child, there is a chance they could become very ill, or even die. This can happen if they catch one of the diseases that the vaccines protect them from.

Be ready with a feed or a hug for your baby and the vaccination will be forgotten soon afterwards.

Vaccines your child will get

At 2 months

• PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
• MenB vaccine (meningococcal B vaccine)
• Rotavirus oral vaccine
• 6-in-1 vaccine

6-in-1 vaccine

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae b)
• Polio (inactivated poliomyelitis)
• Hepatitis B

At 4 months

• 6-in-1 vaccine
• MenB vaccine (meningococcal B vaccine)
• Rotavirus oral vaccine

At 6 months

• 6-in-1 vaccine
• PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
• MenC vaccine (meningococcal C vaccine)

At 12 months

• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
• MenB vaccine (meningococcal B vaccine)

At 13 months

• Hib/MenC (Haemophilus influenzae b and meningococcal C combined vaccine)
• PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)

The HSE's National Immunisation Office has more information on your child's vaccines and immunisation schedule.

Flu vaccine

Children aged 2 to 12 can now get the nasal flu vaccine for free.

The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others. For example their brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents.

Vaccine side effects

Common side effects after vaccination are redness, soreness or swelling where your baby got their injection. Your baby might also become irritable.

Fever is a common side effect after MenB vaccination at 2 and 4 months. Liquid infant paracetamol should be given straight after the vaccine.

Side effects from the vaccines are usually mild and do not last very long.

Our STI Screenings are fully confidential and non-judgemental.

Screenings involve a survey where you will be asked some personal questions relating to your sexual activity. These questions are only asked for the purposes of assessing your health and do guide us on the appropriate tests for you depending on what risks you have been exposed to.

A physical examination of your genital area will then be performed.

Samples including blood will be taken and submitted for testing.

We will let you know when to expect your results.

Before travelling abroad, ensure that you and your family/companions are up to date with their routine vaccination schedule including MMR. We provide more specific advice on travel vaccinations, depending on your destination.

If traveling to a remote location we recommend getting your vaccines checked six months in advance.

We provide a range of services for Sports medicine. These can range from suspected broken bones, sprains, minor facial injuries, wounds & bites to minor head injuries (where the patient remained fully conscious and did not have more that one episode of vomiting after the head injury).

Joint injections are used to treat joint pain as well as diseases affecting the joints.

We offer medicals for those who require a medical when applying for Employment or Insurance.

We provide medicals for those who require a medical when applying for a Driving Licence.

We offer Occupation Health services including examining the relationship between health and work, how your work may be affecting your health, how your health may be affecting your ability to work.

The aim of Occupational Health is to promote optimum health (physical, mental and social well being) of employees and to protect employees from possible ill effects of work related activity.